Arshinkoff Wins; Ohio Republicans Lose

Ben Keeler has the details in a post over at The Point, but I wanted to address a few things here as well. Read Ben's stuff first...

Now, let's start with the statement from Carol Klinger:

"My thanks to all who have supported the effort to get our Republican Party winning again. While we would have preferred a different outcome at tonight's Central Committee meeting, we are generally pleased with our showing. A significant block of committee members are in place who want to take our party into the future with new leadership. We will build on this success as we continue our effort. This campaign to change the party leadership started with nothing. We enter the next round with much more.

There are things we wished would have been different about tonight's meeting. Free and open discussion on the proposed party rules was squashed. A straight matchup between myself and Alex Arshinkoff was denied. And Mr. Arshinkoff was elected Central Committee chairman, despite not being an elected member of the committee.

We will continue to press for needed reforms within the local party organization and make the case for fresh new leadership. We will also continue to support Republicans candidates running for office.

To all who have stepped up and given their voice to the cause, I say thank you and look forward to our continued efforts to make the Summit County Republican Party an organization in which we can all be proud."

The New Summit Republicans have shown poise and class throughout this whole ordeal. They just didn't have enough forces to close the deal, as Ben pointed out.

I think that the New Summit Republican model is the right way to go about effecting the kind of change we've been seeking in the Ohio Republican Party. I suspect that the New Summit Republican effort will grow in strength and influence assuming that they continue their efforts to expose the corruption and shady dealings going on up there.

Ben makes a point that I want to emphasize here:

[F]ar too many precinct captains were afraid to change the status quo of the party. They didn't want to lose their positions and/or connections, and I guess you can't really blame them for that.

This is the biggest challenge that any reform movement is going to face. And it will be a slow process convincing those who have been around awhile to accept change. The Republican Party has never been quick to embrace change and expecting to have that happen in a single cycle was probably a bigger mission than the NSR's were capable of taking on, but I salute them for trying. My hope is that the NSR's will carry on and attempt to recruit new candidates for Central Committee that are dedicated to the idea of reform while continuing to change the minds of those on the fence who went with the status quo simply because they feared change.

The forces of change do not run quick. The NSR's should feel proud of the accomplishments thus far and hold their heads high as they take on the challenges that now lie ahead of them. Arshinkoff was on the ropes, but he slipped away this time. With any luck whatsoever, he will have learned his lessons and will fly straight; but if not, the NSR's ought to unite the forces that they can and do whatever they can to bring the party back on the right track.

Ultimately, this is a story about vigilance and perseverance. Arshinkoff may have won this battle, but I suspect the outcome of the war is yet to be determined. And I'm not talking just about Summit County. The NSR's have represented what I believe to be a fledgling movement of conservative Republicans who are fed up with the nonsense in the Ohio Republican Party and aren't going to take it anymore. I've been covering troubles all over Ohio with county parties, including my own, and my hope is that there will be good Republicans ready to take on the status quo in those areas and demand change occur. Rank and file Republicans who are not a part of the party structure are becoming disenchanted with the way things are being run and they will either sit it out when we need them, vote with their feet, or vote Democrat to "teach a lesson." We must do something because the same old tricks are no longer working.

Coughlin Letter to Summit County GOP Central Committee

This just in...

Dear Fellow Central Committee Member,

Recently, Carol Klinger sent you a copy of her proposed Articles of Regulation for the Summit County Republican Party for your consideration. This week, Alex Arshinkoff followed suit and issued his own version of party rules. Make no mistake - the rules proposed by Carol Klinger:

• Keep the basic powers of the party in the hands of the duly-elected Central Committee;

• Allow for greater participation in the party;

• Guarantee a secret ballot in all votes all party officers;

• Guarantee a vote on the party chairmanship by the duly elected Central Committee;

• Provide fiscal and ethical accountability.

The rules proposed by Alex Arshinkoff violate the spirit of all we are trying to improve in the party. His proposed Code of Regulations:

• Denies the Central Committee its right to elect the party chair/Executive Committee chair. Arshinkoff declined to run for reelection to the Central Committee, denying voters in his precinct a referendum on his leadership. Now he is trying to avoid a straight up or down vote on his leadership by the governing committee of the party. (Page 12, 5.7(a)(i)

• Allows for Arshinkoff to weasel his way out ofsecret ballotillg in elections for party officers. (Page 19, Section 8.7(b» What does it meall to you that Alex Arshinkoff fears a secret ballot? The media and even his own supporters publicly admit that Arshinkoff cannot win if the votes are conducted by secret ballot.

• Hands over the power to Arshinkoff's hand-picked Executive Committee to fill vacancies on Central Committee and in candidate races and public offices, and to endorse in all races. These are basic powers that should be reserved to the duly-elected Central Committee. Otherwise, we're just here to hand over all the power and go home for the next two years;

• Seeks to exclude individuals from serving in party leadership, limiting the talent pool from which we can select. Arshinkoff's rules would bar any public official, anyone working at one specific law firm, and anyone with a job, from being Central or Executive Committee chair. On that last note, I would call your attention to the fact that Stark County Republicans have just named the deputy director of their Board of Elections as party chairman. He will work 9-5 at the Board and fulfill his party obligations around his work schedule. Stark County, incidentally, is a far more successful county party by every measure.

• Locks the party into the current headquarters location for no apparent reason.

These proposed rules should be viewed for what they are - an attempt to solidify Alex Arshinkoff's grip on the party organization and continue business as usual.

As we come together Wednesday evening, let us remember that as members of the Central Committee, we are the governing body ofthe Summit County Republican Party. This important power is granted by Ohio law. The committee has the freedom to organize the party in any way it deems appropriate.

I would urge you to speak up and:

• Demand a secret ballot and a fairly-run meeting;

• Resist Alex's demand that we vote our power to govern the party away to his hand-picked clique.

• Vote for reform-minded candidates to party leadership;

• Adopt Articles ofRegulation that truly change our party for the better, allow more people to direct the party, and create real accountability.

Kindest regards,
Kevin Coughlin
State Senator

NSR: Klinger Propose Accountability, Checks and Balances for Summit GOP

This just in...

CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH - Carol Klinger, candidate for Summit County Republican Party Chair, today proposed comprehensive rules for the Summit County Republican Party. The rules will be considered when the part's Central Committee holds its organizational meeting this month.

"The Summit County Republican Party has no by-laws or comprehensive rules," Klinger said. "It’s defining rule is a resolution that transfers all power granted by the Ohio Revised code to govern the party from the Central Committee to Alex Arshinkoff’s hand-picked Executive Committee. These Articles of Regulation for the party define procedures and create essential checks and balances for a better organization."

Highlights:

No more petitions to run for Central Committee
Petitions are a hassle and are unnecessary. Ohio law allows parties to have Central Committee candidates file a simple form at the Board of Elections. (Article I(b))

Fair and open elections for party officers and slates
Requires nominations to be made from the floor for officers and allows them to be nominated as a slate to save time in the meeting. Requires secret ballots in contested elections. (Article II(a))

No outside influence on Central Committee at meetings
The Central Committee is the governing committee of the party having been elected by the people. Clarifies that nonmembers do not have rights to the proceedings unless unanimous consent is granted. (Article II(h))

Central Committee Officers must be committed Republicans
Ensures that officers have a record of Republican voting and registration. (Article III(a)(1), (b)(1), (c)(1), (d)(1), (e)(1))

Officer accountability with removal process
Provides for the removal of Central and Executive Committee officers. (Article IV, Article VIII)

Balancing power between Central and Executive Committees
Provides for direct election of Executive Committee officers by the Central Committee. (Article V1(f))

Requires secret ballot when more than one slate is nominated for Executive Committee and for officers (Article VI(a),(f))

Maintains endorsement function with the Central Committee (Article VI(c)(2), Article IX(b))

Accountability for the party chair
Prohibits Executive Committee Chair from doing business with the party or candidates for public office. (Article VII (a)(1))

Prohibits Executive Committee Chair from lobbying in the State of Ohio. (Article VII (a)(2))

Requires Executive Committee Chair to file annual ethics report with the party. (Article VII (a)(3))

New primary endorsement policy
Prohibits party from endorsing candidates in primary elections, except to endorse an incumbent Republican who is being challenged. (Article IX (c))

Prohibits party from endorsing candidates for Central Committee. (Article IX (d))

No more free rides for Democrats
Binds the party to attempt to recruit and support Republican candidates in all partisan and judicial races on the ballot. (Article IX (e))

"Even the local garden club has by-laws," Klinger added. "Adoption of these rules is essential too turn our party around, clean up its finances, and begin winning again."

A copy of the proposed Articles of Regulation are attached, and the text appears below.

SUMMIT COUNTY REPUBLICAN CENTRAL COMMITTEE ARTICLES OF REGULATION
Updated 4/10/08

ARTICLE I. MEMBERSHIP

(a) The Summit County Republican Central Committee shall, in accordance with 3517.03 of the Ohio Revised Code, consist of one member from each election precinct in the County of Summit who was elected at the primary in the even-numbered years.

(b) Each person desiring to become a candidate for election as a member of the Summit County Republican Central Committee shall file a Declaration of Candidacy at the Board of Elections as required in 3513.05 of the Ohio Revised Code. Candidates are not required to file a Petition of Candidacy.

(c) Central Committee members shall be elected to two (2) year terms.

(d) Vacancies on the Central Committee shall be filled by a vote of the Central Committee following recommendations by the Central Committee Chair. Any appointee shall not be eligible to vote at the same meeting the appointment is approved.

(e) No nominee can be named to fill a precinct other than the one in which he or she resides.

(f) Any member of the Central Committee who votes in a partisan party primary other than a Republican primary, automatically ceases to be a member of the Central Committee.

(g) Any member of the Central Committee who permits his or her name to be used, or his or her campaign committee to be used on behalf of or solicits or gives support to or for any candidate other than a Republican candidate in any primary, or permits his or her name to be used, or his or her campaign committee to be used on behalf of or solicits or gives support to or for any candidate than a Republican candidate in any special or general election shall automatically cease to be a member of the Central Committee.

ARTICLE II. MEETINGS

(a) The organizational meeting of the Central Committee shall be held as provided by law at which time the Central Committee shall by majority vote elect from their membership a slate of candidates for the offices of Temporary Chairman and Temporary Secretary, and Chairman, First Vice Chairman, Second Vice Chairman, Treasurer, and Secretary. Nominations of said slates shall be made from the floor. If more than one person is nominated for an office, or more than one slate nominated, the vote shall be conducted by secret ballot.

(b) All meetings of the Central Committee shall be called by the Chairman of the Central Committee, or in his absence or disability by the First or Second Vice Chairman following the chain of command, or upon written request to the Chairman of the Central Committee by one-hundred (100) or more members, whose request shall designate the time, place, subject matter, and proposed agenda of the intended meeting.

(c) Written notice, accompanied by the subject matter and proposed agenda of all meetings shall be sent by first-class mail postmarked at least ten (10) days before the stated time of the meeting to each member at the addresses listed with the Secretary of the Central Committee.

(d) A majority of the members present and voting at any meeting shall determine all questions voted upon at such meetings, provided however, that all actions to reconsider, repeal, or annul any previous action of the Central Committee shall be by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present.

(e) No vote by proxy or delegation shall be recognized.

(f) Except as otherwise provided herein, all matters and procedures shall be governed by Robert's Rules of Order, Revised.

(g) A quorum shall be defined as fifty (50) percent of the membership of the Central Committee plus one (1).

(h) No one except members of the Central Committee may attend or participate in any meeting of the Central Committee unless granted by unanimous consent.

ARTICLE III. CENTRAL COMMITTEE OFFICERS

(a) CHAIRMAN - The Chairman of the Central Committee shall preside at all meetings of the Central Committee and at the first meeting of the Executive Committee, shall have the right and power to create and appoint special committees and to define their duties, shall have the right and power to appoint a Parliamentarian with usual functions and duties of such officer, and shall have such other rights and powers as from time-to-time determined by the Central Committee to be necessary to promote the Summit County Republican Party.

(1) No person shall be nominated for Chairman of the Central Committee unless the person has been a registered Republican, as indicated by the Board of Elections, for at least four (4) years preceding their nomination.

(2) This officer must be a member of the Central Committee.

(b) FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN - The First Vice Chairman of the Central Committee shall act in the absence or disability of the Chairman and shall have such other duties as from time-to-time assigned by the Chairman of the Central Committee.

(1) No person shall be nominated for First Vice Chairman of the Central Committee unless the person has been a registered Republican, as indicated by the Board of Elections, for at least four (4) years preceding their nomination.

(2) This officer must be a member of the Central Committee.

(c) SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN - The Second Vice Chairman of the Central Committee shall act in the absence or disability of the First Vice Chairman and shall have such other duties as from time-to-time assigned by the Chairman of the Central Committee.

(1) No person shall be nominated for Second Vice Chairman of the Central Committee unless the person has been a registered Republican, as indicated by the Board of Elections, for at least four (4) years preceding their nomination.

(2) This officer must be a member of the Central Committee.

(d) SECRETARY - The Secretary of the Central Committee shall keep a record of minutes of all Central Committee meetings, shall keep such records as from time-to-time are determined necessary by the either the Central Committee or the Chairman, shall give or cause to be given the required written notice of all Central Committee meetings, shall have such other duties as from time-to-time assigned by the Chairman of the Central Committee.

(1) No person shall be nominated for Secretary of the Central Committee unless the person has been a registered Republican, as indicated by the Board of Elections, for at least four (4) years preceding their nomination.

(2) This officer must be a member of the Central Committee.

(e) TREASURER - The Treasurer of the Central Committee shall keep a true and accurate account of all organizational funds coming into the Central Committee and all disbursements thereof, shall make a report at each Central Committee meeting which includes the financial condition and the financial activities of the Central Committee since the last report. The Treasurer shall render an annual audited report to the Chairman of the Central Committee and a copy of such annual report shall be available to any member of the Executive Committee and the Central Committee upon request. All such funds shall be deposited in the name of the Central Committee and shall be disbursed by check, cosigned by both the Chairman of the Central Committee and either the Treasurer or his designee.

(1) No person shall be nominated for Treasurer of the Central Committee unless the person has been a registered Republican, as indicated by the Board of Elections, for at least four (4) years preceding their nomination.

(2) This officer must be a member of the Central Committee.

ARTICLE IV. VACANCIES AND REMOVAL OF OFFICERS

(a) The elected officers of the Central Committee may be removed or recalled for cause by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Central Committee preset at a meeting called for that purpose with a quorum being present at such meeting of the Central Committee. Notice of intent must be delivered to that officer or officers by certified mail not less than thirty (30) days prior to such meeting.

(b) The written request to the Chairman of the Central Committee for such meeting shall contain the specific alleged grounds for removal, signed by one-hundred (100) members of the Central Committee. The request shall designate the time, place, subject matter, and proposed agenda of the intended meeting.

(c) A copy of the written request with the required one-hundred (100) signatures must be mailed by first-class mail to all members of the Central Committee at least ten (10) days prior to such meeting.

(d) Upon death, resignation, or removal of the Chairman of the Central Committee, a new slate of Central Committee officers shall be chosen from among the members of the Central Committee in a manner set forth in Article II (a), at a meeting called for such purpose.

ARTICLE V. AMENDMENT OF ARTICLES OF REGULATION

(a) Upon adoption by majority vote of the members of the Central Committee of the Articles of Regulation, such Articles of Regulation shall remain in full force and effect until otherwise amended in accordance with paragraph (b) hereinafter.

(b) These articles of Regulation may be amended as follows:

(1) Any proposed changes of these Articles of Regulation shall first be submitted to the Articles of Regulation Committee for its consideration and recommendation.

(2) The Articles of Regulation Committee shall report its recommendation to the Central Committee.

(3) Any change of these Articles of Regulation shall be by affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members present at such meeting, with a quorum of the Central Committee present.

ARTICLE VI. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(a) The members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by slate by the Central Committee by majority vote of the members present, with a quorum of the Central Committee present. If more than one slate is nominated, the vote shall be conducted by secret ballot.

(b) The Central Committee may from time-to-time delegate specific powers to the Executive Committee as the Central Committee may approve. Any powers not specifically delegated in these Articles of Regulation, or otherwise, to the Executive Committee shall be reserved by the Central Committee.

(c) The Executive Committee shall have the following powers:

(1) Management of the Summit County Republican Party on a day-to- day basis, conducting fundraising programs, expending monies for the conduct of campaign efforts, operating and staffing headquarters and conducting such other business as necessary to carry out routine operations;

(2) Recruit and recommend candidates for public office for Central
Committee consideration, as the Central Committee is the endorsing body of the Summit County Republican Party.

(d) Any member of the Executive Committee who votes in a partisan party primary other than a Republican primary, automatically ceases to be a member of the Executive Committee.

(e) Any member of the Executive Committee who permits his or her name to be used, or his or her campaign committee to be used on behalf of or solicits or gives support to or for any candidate other than a Republican candidate in any primary, or permits his or her name to be used, or his or her campaign committee to be used on behalf of or solicits or gives support to or for any candidate than a Republican candidate in any special or general election shall automatically cease to be a member of the Executive Committee.

(f) The officers of the Executive Committee shall be elected by slate by the Central Committee by majority vote of the members present, with a quorum of the Central Committee present. If more than one slate is nominated, the vote shall be conducted by secret ballot.

ARTICLE VII. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OFFICERS

(a) CHAIRMAN - Except as provided for in Article 3 (a) of these Articles of Regulation, the Chairman of the Executive Committee shall preside at all meetings of the Executive Committee, shall have the right and power to create and appoint special committees and to define their duties, shall have the right and power to appoint a Parliamentarian with usual functions and duties of such officer, and shall have such other rights and powers as from time-to-time determined by the Executive Committee to be necessary to promote the Summit County Republican Party.

(1) The Chairman of the Executive Committee shall not be owner, partner, or shareholder in any entity that receives business from the Summit County Republican Party, nor from any candidate for public office in the State of Ohio.

(2) The Chairman of the Executive Committee shall not engage in the
practice of lobbying in the State of Ohio.

(3) The Chairman of the Executive Committee shall file a comprehensive statement of all sources of income received during each calendar year with the Secretary of the Executive Committee no later than the first day of May each year.

(b) FIRST VICE CHAIRMAN - The First Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee shall act in the absence or disability of the Chairman and shall have such other duties as from time-to-time assigned by the Chairman of the Executive Committee.

(c) SECOND VICE CHAIRMAN - The Second Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee shall act in the absence or disability of the First Vice Chairman and shall have such other duties as from time-to-time assigned by the Chairman of the Executive Committee.

(d) SECRETARY - The Secretary of the Executive Committee shall keep a record of minutes of all Executive Committee meetings, shall keep such records as from time-to-time are determined necessary by the either the Executive Committee or the Chairman, shall give or cause to be given the required written notice of all Central Committee meetings, shall have such other duties as from time-to-time assigned by the Chairman of the Executive Committee.

(E) TREASURER - The Treasurer of the Executive Committee shall keep a true and accurate account of all organizational funds coming into the Executive Committee and all disbursements thereof, shall make a report at each Executive Committee meeting which includes the financial condition and the financial activities of the Executive Committee since the last report. The Treasurer shall render an annual audited report to the Chairman of the Central Committee and a copy of such annual report shall be available to any member of the Executive Committee and the Central Committee upon request. All such funds shall be deposited in the name of the Executive Committee and shall be disbursed by check, cosigned by both the Chairman of the Executive Committee and either the Treasurer or his designee.

ARTICLE VIII. VACANCIES AND REMOVAL OF OFFICERS OR MEMBERS OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

(a) The elected officers or members of the Executive Committee may be removed or recalled for cause by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Central Committee present at a meeting called for that purpose with a quorum being present at such meeting of the Central Committee. Notice of intent must be delivered to that officer or officers by certified mail not less than thirty (30) days prior to such meeting.

(b) The written request to the Chairman of the Central Committee for such meeting shall contain the specific alleged grounds for removal, signed by one-hundred (100) members of the Central Committee. The request shall designate the time, place, subject matter, and proposed agenda of the intended meeting.

(c) A copy of the written request with the required one-hundred (100) signatures must be mailed by first-class mail to all members of the Central Committee at least ten (10) days prior to such meeting.

(d) Upon death, resignation, or removal of the Chairman of the Executive Committee, a new slate of Executive Committee officers shall be chosen by members of the Central Committee in a manner set forth in Article VI (a), at a meeting called for such purpose.

ARTICLE IX. GENERAL

(a) The Executive Committee may establish by-laws not inconsistent or in conflict with these Articles of Regulation.

(b) All endorsements of candidates for public office shall be made at a properly noticed meeting of the Central Committee call for that purpose by majority of members present and voting.

(c) The Central Committee shall not endorse candidates in primary elections, unless a challenger has filed against an incumbent Republican public officeholder in said primary. If the Central Committee elects to act, the endorsement shall go to the incumbent.

(d) Neither the Central Committee nor the Executive Committee shall endorse nor expend funds for candidates for Central Committee.

(e) The Summit County Republican Party shall attempt to recruit and support candidates in all partisan and judicial elections.

(f) The Articles of Regulation Committee is a permanent and standing committee of the Central Committee whose membership shall be determined by the Chairman of the Central Committee.

(g) The Finance Committee is a permanent and standing committee of the Summit County Republican Party whose membership shall be determined by the Chairman of the Executive Committee.